Floatation Vests and Buoyancy Aids for Dinghies

Buoyancy aid

Buoyancy aid vests and life jackets: what is the difference?

Buoyancy aid vests and life jackets are essential to ensure your safety while sailing light, dinghy or catamaran. There is a difference between flotation jackets, which have a minimum buoyancy of 50 newtons (N), and life jackets, which must have a buoyancy of 100 N or more. Below this, flotation devices do not allow for turning in the water. Life jackets can be found from 100 to 275 N.

Be careful to choose a flotation aid that is appropriate for your body type. Indeed, your weight will be a determining factor on the buoyancy of the vest. The CE standard indicates the buoyancy for a user of 70 kg. If your weight is greater than 70 kg, the actual buoyancy of your vest will be less than that indicated on your vest.

The regulations regarding life jackets

Dinghies are considered 'sailing vessels' according to division 240, which establishes the regulations for recreational vessels, and must therefore comply with the associated rules. The optimist, less than 2.5 m in length, on the other hand, is considered a 'beach craft' in the regulations.

Optimists, as beach craft, are limited to daytime sailing within 300 m of the coast. Other dinghies, on the other hand, are limited to daytime sailing within 2 miles (basic sailing). When practicing with the FFVoile, these limits are less restrictive.

The regulations applying to the practice of light sailing correspond to the obligations related to basic navigation (within 2 miles of a shelter) :

• wearing a 50 N minimum buoyancy aid vest;
• individual light device;
• bailer (except in the case of a self-bailing dinghy);
• towing end;
• means of knowing the tide times of the day of the navigation area.

The different types of flotation vests

There are different types of flotation aid vests, the two main types are foam vests and inflatable vests.

Inflatable Vests

Among the inflatable vests, there are manual or automatic inflatable vests. These are generally life jackets with a buoyancy of 100 newtons or more. These vests are equipped with a gas cartridge that inflates the vest when it is hit. They can be designed with an integrated trapeze harness.

Manual life jackets are triggered when the user pulls the trigger themselves. This type of vest cannot be triggered if the person becomes unwell or unconscious. It does, however, have the advantage of not triggering unintentionally.

Automatic life jackets inflate when they come in contact with water. There are different systems: ULM, Pro-sensor or hydrostatic. ULM or Pro-sensor lifejackets activate when water has dissolved a pellet in the trigger, while hydrostatic lifejackets activate under the effect of water pressure. They also have a system to be able to trigger them manually.

Foam vests

Among the foam flotation vests, we differentiate the regulatory bras from the vests designed for sports practice like light sailing, dinghy or catamaran. The latter are much more ergonomic and have been designed to make your practice enjoyable, without being hindered during your maneuvers.

Their shape does not allow them to have an integrated harness like some inflatable vests. They are usually quite short which allows them to be compatible with a trapeze harness for your dinghy or catamaran practice.

Dinghies are limited to sailing no more than 2 miles offshore, so a 50N buoyancy foam aid vest is best suited for light sailing. In addition, it poses no problems with unwanted tripping that could occur with an inflatable vest.

Other Sailing Gear

Equipping yourself with the right gear is necessary to get the most out of your outing safely.

Catamaran trapeze belt and harness

In dinghies or catamarans, riding on the trapeze allows you to balance the sailboat by changing the center of gravity. A cable that connects the mast and the trapeze harness of a crew member will allow to get in position while safe. The crewman will then hang horizontally outside the hull.

The choice of a trapeze harness, also called a trapeze belt, is important. This one must be tailored to your body type so that it is comfortable enough. Of course, the strength of the trapeze harness is paramount.

Sailing suit

The sailing suit made of neoprene is very useful for staying warm although it is wet. It also provides UV protection and can be reinforced at the knees and buttocks to limit wear and tear. If you sail in the summer, you can opt for a sleeveless neoprene suit also called Long John for men or Long Jane for women. There are also wetsuits that stop at the knees or are thinner in thickness.

Jacket

A dinghy jacket is usually lightweight and waterproof, protecting you from rain, spray and wind. They do not have a front opening and are put on by the head. Their design allows for maximum waterproofing and heat loss. As a complement to your wetsuit, it will protect you from wind and cold sensations when your wetsuit is wet.

Other equipment

Also consider getting neoprene sailing boots to protect your feet and prevent heat loss. Favor non-slip soles that grip on smooth, wet surfaces. Sailing gloves will complete your outfit to protect your hands from the cold and from rubbing against the ropes. The mittens leave your fingertips free so you can maintain good dexterity.